POPIA exists to protect people's personal information from misuse. It applies to organisations that handle personal information in South Africa and defines a set of conditions for lawful processing — things like collecting only what you need, being transparent about why, keeping the data accurate and secure, and not keeping it longer than necessary.
It also grants individuals rights: to know what information an organisation holds about them, to have it corrected, and to object to certain uses. Organisations are expected to have appropriate security safeguards in place to prevent leaks and unauthorised access.
For software, POPIA-aligned practice means secure storage, controlled access, and clear handling of personal data. This is general guidance, not legal advice — confirm your specific obligations with a qualified advisor.